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“When the child is given freedom to move about in a world of objects, he is naturally inclined to perform the tasks necessary for his development entirely on his own.”
~ M.Montessori “Education and Peace”

Elements of freedom and discipline in the Montessori classroom
No one can be completely free while they are dependent. Manifestations of the desire for independence can be observed early in a child’s life. Freedom and independence are intertwined – independence is essential for freedom. The teacher’s task is to remove obstacles on the way to independence.
The identity of the child can only be formed in the process of his “work“. In the Montessori classroom, at first, the child gains freedom as an individual, and then it grows into the ability to be a part of the community.
This freedom comes from within and manifests as self-control. It is important to emphasize that the child commits positive behavior and positive actions not due to external reinforcement and rewards. The child gains inner satisfaction from performing positive actions due to his nature. The child does not need external validation of his actions from others as he is able to form a personal judgment of his actions. It means external rewards or punishment are not necessary.
Elements of freedom in the Montessori classroom
“Without freedom it is impossible for personality to develop fully.Freedom is the key to the entire process, and the first step comes when the individual is capable of acting without help from others and becomes aware of himself as an autonomous being.”
~ M. Montessori Education and Peace
- Freedom of choice. Allowing children to have freedom of choice is a demonstration of respect for the child’s development. The desire to have the freedom to choose is driven by:
– will to gain experience
– the teacher who connects the child to the environment and material
– gaining more knowledge
The child is eager to try to experiment with everything in the classroom. The fact that the child makes his own choice of work is very significant since it is his DECISION. It is not easy to make a decision, it requires inner motivation and inner work.
- Freedom to work. As was mentioned before, personality forms through the process of work. A prepared environment offers a wide range of specific activities that promote freedom of work. Work is a foundation of freedom because work requires the child to follow certain rules and directions. Freedom does not mean the child can do what they please. Freedom is understanding rules and limits for actions. (For example, putting work back on the shelf after completing it gives freedom to choose the next activity). Allowing a child to do whatever he likes before he gains self-control destroys the idea of freedom.
- Freedom of time. There is no timetable for lessons in the Montessori classroom. The child is allowed to work with material as long as he wants to and at his own pace. Often child likes to do the same activity over and over again. It allows him to build deeper concentration in the process of continuous repetition. In addition, it encourages him to develop a stronger character, since he has more time to keep trying until he works it out. It also helps the ability to overcome challenges.
- Freedom of movement. Every work with the material in the classroom involves movement. The child is not forced to sit and listen. He is free to observe, then to work independently. In addition, a child is able to move freely without disturbing others’ work.
- Freedom to eat and drink. The Montessori classroom always has a place where the child can have a snack or a drink at any time he wishes.
- Freedom of communication and interaction. The children are free to work together upon mutual agreement if it does not destruct others’ work.
- Freedom to help each other.
Elements of discipline in the Montessori classroom
There is only one type of each material in the classroom (there is only one Pink Tower or Red Rod activity).
It has great benefits:
– the work becomes special
– it develops patience since a child has to wait for his turn
– it develops respect for others
The child has to return work back where he found it after completing working with it as an expression of respect for the other children.
Work is not considered finished until the material is put back in its original place.
Every material has a purpose and meaning.
The child is welcome to experiment with material as long as it fits its purpose. For example, the child can create various shapes using the Red Rods, but should not use those as a pretend gun. Sometimes teacher allows certain child’s experiments unless those experiments can hurt other children or the environment. Then it has to be immediately stopped.
Behavior management
Maria Montessori believed that misbehavior originates from a child’s environment, circumstances and surroundings:
…defects in character, disappear of themselves…One does not need to threaten or cajole, but only to ‘normalizing the conditions under which the child lives.” Maria Montessori, Discovery of the Child
In the Montessori environment, behavior management is done in the form of redirecting and gluing.
You can read more about it here: Gluing and Redirecting Behavior in the Montessori Classroom
“With careful observations, “earnest words”, spontaneous work, commitment to the Montessori philosophy and principles, the Montessori teacher is able to successfully redirect and refocus student behavior…
Gluing is when the teacher keeps a child close to her before inviting the child to find an appropriate work.
It gives the child time to refocus and observe others working in the Montessori classroom. It is a way to re-center and calm themselves so that they may work effectively in the classroom.”
Reference: Russian Montessori Society
Here is a list of Montessori books that might help you in your Montessori journey
Children Who Are Not Yet Peaceful: Preventing Exclusion in the Early Elementary Classroom
“Charting the progress of twelve children in a real Texas classroom, educator Donna Goertz shows how positive change can occur given the proper environment. In each case she describes a child’s transformation from destructive troublemaker to responsible citizen of the classroom community. Readers will learn how to apply Montessori methods to virtually any early elementary environment”.
Teaching Montessori in the Home: Pre-School Years: The Pre-School Years
“Claim quality togetherness with your child and fully enjoy the sensitive and formative years from two to five by adopting proven teaching techniques in your own home. This acclaimed guide puts the entire range of the Montessori system within your reach, so you can make the most of your child’s vital years.”
Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to Adulthood
“Claim quality togetherness with your child and fully enjoy the sensitive and formative years from two to five by adopting proven teaching techniques in your own home. This acclaimed guide puts the entire range of the Montessori system within your reach, so you can make the most of your child’s vital years.”
Child of the World: Montessori, Global Education for Age 3-12+
“Imagine a Montessori text in your home library which guides your putting together a child’s corner in every room according to the same principles used by Montessori educators for more than a century. Activities are described to match your child’s precise ages and stages providing authentic environments for choice and stimulating engagement. This little book can change your life with its practical wisdom. It will help you create conditions favorable to peaceful coexistence”.
‘This post is featured by Twinkl in their ‘Behaviour Management in the Classroom‘ blog’.


Hands Are Not for Hitting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series)
It’s never too soon for children to learn that violence is never okay, hands can do many good things, and everyone is capable of positive, loving actions.
In this bright, inviting, durable board book, simple words and full-color illustrations teach these important concepts in ways even very young children can understand.

Words Are Not for Hurting (Ages 4-7) (Best Behavior Series)
The older children get, the more words they know and can use—including hurtful words. This book teaches children that their words belong to them: They can think before they speak, then choose what to say and how to say it. It also explores positive ways to respond when others use unkind words and reinforces the importance of saying “I’m sorry.” Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Feet Are Not for Kicking (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series)
"Look at those feet! Aren’t they sweet?” Yes—when they’re walking, standing, leaping and landing. And when they’re kicking balls or leaves. But not when they’re kicking people! In simple words and charming full-color illustrations, this book helps little ones learn to use their feet for fun, not in anger or frustration. It also includes tips for parents and caregivers on how to help toddlers be sweet with their feet.

Sharing Time (Toddler Tools®)
Sometimes it’s fun to share, and sometimes it’s hard. This book offers toddlers simple choices (take turns, use the toy together, wait for another time) to make sharing easier, and shows them where to turn for help when sharing is difficult. Little ones learn that sharing can mean double the fun—and sharing a while can make someone smile! Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Listening Time (Toddler Tools®)
Put away the wiggles. Put away the giggles. Listening works better when your body’s calm and still."; When it’s time for young children to listen closely, this book sets the tone. They discover that it’s important to open their eyes and ears but to close their mouths (";zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket";) so good listening can begin. An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation.

Calm-Down Time (Toddler Tools®)
Every parent, caregiver—and toddler—knows the misery that comes with meltdowns and temper tantrums. Through rhythmic text and warm illustrations, this gentle, reassuring book offers toddlers simple tools to release strong feelings, express them, and calm themselves down. Children learn to use their calm-down place—a quiet space where they can cry, ask for a hug, sing to themselves, be rocked in a grown-up’s arms, talk about feelings, and breathe: “One, two, three . . . I’m calm as can be. I’m taking care of me.” After a break, toddlers will feel like new—and adults will, too. Books include tips for parents and caregivers.

Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes
The basic strategy we use for raising children, teaching students, and managing workers can be summarized in six words: Do this and you'll get that. We dangle goodies (from candy bars to sales commissions) in front of people in much the same way we train the family pet. Drawing on a wealth of psychological research, Alfie Kohn points the way to a more successful strategy based on working with people instead of doing things to them. "Do rewards motivate people?" asks Kohn. "Yes. They motivate people to get rewards." Seasoned with humor and familiar examples, Punished By Rewards presents an argument unsettling to hear but impossible to dismiss.

Peaceful Children. Peaceful World: The Challenge of Maria Montessori

Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children to Extend Their Learning, Second Edition
In early childhood settings, children and teachers interact all day long. The benefits are enormous when even some of those “everyday” interactions become intentional, purposeful, and culturally responsive―in other words, Powerful Interactions®! With these three steps, you can embed Powerful Interactions in your daily work with children from birth through age 8:
Step One: Be Present. Pause, tune in to yourself and the moment, and consider how you might need to adjust to create a “just-right” fit with a child.
Step Two: Connect. To foster trust and confidence, let that child know that you see her; are interested in what she is doing, saying, and thinking; and want to spend time with her..
Step Three: Extend Learning. Make use of your strong connection with the child to stretch her knowledge, skills, thinking, or language and vocabulary.
With updated content and research, new examples and insights, and questions to guide group study discussions, the new edition of this bestselling classic covers everything you need to understand what Powerful Interactions are, how to make them happen, and why they are so important in increasing children’s learning and your effectiveness as a teacher. Discover how Powerful Interactions―and you―make a difference!

The Power of Observation from Birth Through Eight

Effective Discipline the Montessori Way
Teachers and parents have backed off from discipline. They have been told to avoid consequences, avoid the word “no,” and not to put children in time-outs. It is no coincidence that when adults become unassertive, children often become rude, violent and disrespectful. Children need proper discipline and they aren’t getting it. Effective Discipline the Montessori Way, a book for educators and parents, explains why children are not getting the guidance and correction that they need. The book makes the case that the correct discipline practices are based on the educational principles advocated by Maria Montessori.

Montessori Discipline: The Method of Transmitting Love and Magic from Adult to Toddler. A Parenting Guide to Stop Yelling and Start Being More Cooperative with Children
Are you interested in the so-called Montessori discipline? If yes, then this is the right book for you!
This book is aimed at parents and caregivers of children between zero and six years of age, who wish to foster their children's intelligence, independence, and love of learning in the home environment.
Today's parents suffer from a severe shortage of free time. Work, family and household obligations, caring for children, commuting, medical check-ups - it is not uncommon to feel suffocated by responsibilities.
That is why, for many, the idea of adding early learning at home to this long list may seem like a utopia. However, as a working mother of two young children, I can attest that it is possible to achieve it, even if you don't have a university degree in early childhood education.

Montessori at Home Guide: Gentle Parenting Techniques to Help Your 2 to 6-Year-Old Learn Social Skills and Discipline
“Discipline is, therefore, primarily a learning experience” - Dr. Maria Montessori
In this final edition of the ‘Montessori at Home Guide’ series, Rachel Peachey addresses practical life skills that seem often forgotten; social skills and discipline. Learn how to gently guide your 2 to 6-year-old to develop basic social skills including ‘Introducing themselves’ and ‘How to Interrupt Politely’ to more complex skills like ‘Recognizing emotions in others’. This book also discusses gentle parenting approaches to discipline, how to handle conflict, and many more parenting techniques inspired by Maria Montessori. Rachel’s informative, yet simple, approach to these subjects, is easy to understand and ready for the busy parent who may not have time to dive deeper into the Montessori philosophy. Though a short guide, it’s packed with insight, leading to many “Aha!” moments that will be priceless for the early education of your little one.

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. The authors explain—and make accessible—the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures. The “upstairs brain,” which makes decisions and balances emotions, is under construction until the mid-twenties. And especially in young children, the right brain and its emotions tend to rule over the logic of the left brain. No wonder kids throw tantrums, fight, or sulk in silence. By applying these discoveries to everyday parenting, you can turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child’s brain and foster vital growth.

Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom
In 1981, Jane Nelsen wrote her first book, Positive Discipline. Since then she has authored many more on the same theme, from Positive Discipline for Toddlers to Positive Discipline for Adolescents. Many years ago Jane recognized the compatibility of Positive Discipline with the Montessori approach. Co-Authored with Montessorian Chip DeLorenzo, this latest title is pertinent for all levels of Montessori, and will be used in the workshops Jane and Chip give through the Positive Discipline training program. With emphasis on creating and maintaining respectful relationships, Positive Discipline is sure to provide support and guidance for Montessori teachers at every age level. Teachers will relate to the situations the authors describe and feel empowered by the authors' responses as they learn the techniques and skills they offer. A must-have for every teacher.


Positive Discipline Parenting Tools: The 49 Most Effective Methods to Stop Power Struggles, Build Communication, and Raise Empowered, Capable Kids
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
Do you wish there was a way to raise well-behaved children without punishment? Are you afraid the only alternative is being overly indulgent?
With Positive Discipline, an encouragement model based on both kindness and firmness, you don’t have to choose between these two extremes. Using these 49 Positive Discipline tools, honed and perfected after years of real-world research and feedback, you’ll be able to work with your children instead of against them. The goal isn’t perfection but providing you with the techniques you need to help your children develop the life and social skills you hope for them, such as respect for self and others, problem-solving ability, and self-regulation.

No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
Highlighting the fascinating link between a child’s neurological development and the way a parent reacts to misbehavior, No-Drama Discipline provides an effective, compassionate road map for dealing with tantrums, tensions, and tears—without causing a scene.
Defining the true meaning of the “d” word (to instruct, not to shout or reprimand), the authors explain how to reach your child, redirect emotions, and turn a meltdown into an opportunity for growth. By doing so, the cycle of negative behavior (and punishment) is essentially brought to a halt, as problem solving becomes a win/win situation. Inside this sanity-saving guide you’ll discover

The Gentle Parent: Positive, Practical, Effective Discipline (A Little Hearts Handbook)
Written by best-selling parenting and children's book author and mother of six, L.R.Knost, 'The Gentle Parent: Positive, Practical, Effective Discipline' provides parents with the tools they need to implement the Three C's of gentle discipline--Connection, Communication, and Cooperation--to create a peaceful home and a healthy parent/child relationship. Presented in bite-sized chapters perfect for busy parents and written in L.R.Knost's signature conversational style, 'The Gentle Parent' is packed with practical suggestions and real-life examples to help parents through the normal ups and downs of gentle discipline on the road to raising a generation of world changers.
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